Overview
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse, also known as "marmalade boxwood," is a plant species in the family Loganiaceae. This evergreen shrub is native to East Africa, specifically in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. It is commonly found in tropical rainforests, at elevations ranging from 1200 to 1800 meters above sea level.
Appearance
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse typically grows up to 4 meters tall, with a dense and bushy canopy. Its dark green leaves are glossy, leathery, and oval-shaped, measuring around 4 to 9 centimeters long. The plant's bark is smooth, grayish-brown, and emits a strong odor when damaged.
Common Names
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse has several common names, including "marmalade boxwood," "grey boxwood," "myrtle-leafed ignatius bean," "mkwamba" (in Swahili), and "lupembe" (in Chigogo).
Uses
Several parts of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse have medicinal properties and are traditionally used by East African communities. The plant's roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, fever, cough, and stomachache. The bark's extract has been shown to exhibit analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. Additionally, the plant's timber is used in carpentry and furniture-making, as it is durable and resistant to insects.
Growth Conditions for Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse is a slow-growing evergreen tree that is commonly found in the tropical regions of Africa. Although it is adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, providing the optimal growth conditions can promote the healthy development of the plant.
Light Requirements
Strychnos myrtoides prefers a partially shady environment, but it can tolerate full sun exposure as well. Inadequate sunlight exposure can lead to stunted growth and decreased fruit production. Therefore, it is recommended to provide the plant with direct sunlight for 4-6 hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Strychnos myrtoides is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperature variations, but it cannot survive in frosty or extremely hot environments. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C, and frost can kill the tree.
Soil Requirements
Strychnos myrtoides prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, but it thrives the most in slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5 to 6.5). The tree cannot survive in waterlogged soils, so it is recommended to provide good drainage for the plant.
Providing the optimal growth conditions for Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse not only leads to a healthy and productive tree but can also help prevent diseases and pests. Proper care and maintenance, as well as regular monitoring, can ensure the longevity of the plant.
Cultivation methods:
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse, also known as the desert orange or monkey orange, is a plant that thrives well in tropical environments. It is a robust perennial tree that grows to about 5-10 meters tall and can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. When cultivating the plant, select an area that receives partial shade or full sunlight and has well-draining soils.
Watering needs:
It is essential to maintain optimum moisture levels in the soil for the plant to thrive. Water the plant frequently and deeply, especially during the dry season, to ensure the roots stay hydrated. However, avoid over-watering as it can cause root rot, leading to stunted growth or plant death.
Fertilization:
For the plant to grow healthy, apply fertilizer regularly. Use slow-release organic fertilizer or a balanced chemical fertilizer twice a year, preferably during the rainy season. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are essential for healthy plant growth, good flowering, and fruiting.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential in controlling the plant's growth, improving its shape, and promoting better fruiting. Prune the plant in the early spring before the growing season begins. Trim any damaged or diseased branches, those that rub against other tree parts, or those that run across the tree's center.
Propagation of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse, commonly known as the "Makuka" tree, is a tropical plant found in the sub-Saharan African region. It is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 18 meters tall and 60 cm in diameter. This plant can be propagated by several methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Strychnos myrtoides is through seed. The seeds are collected from mature fruits and sown in a well-prepared seedbed. The seedbed should be well-drained and rich in humus. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and covered lightly with soil. Germination usually takes place within 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers after 3-4 months of growth.
Cuttings Propagation
Strychnos myrtoides can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy and mature plant and should be about 10 cm in length. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-prepared potting mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid place. Rooting usually takes place within 4-6 weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to individual containers.
Air Layering Propagation
Strychnos myrtoides can also be propagated by air layering. This method involves making a small cut on a healthy and mature plant stem and applying rooting hormone to the cut. A moist sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the cut and covered with a plastic bag to maintain a humid environment. The roots usually develop within 3-4 weeks, and the rooted stem can be removed from the parent plant and planted in a well-prepared potting mix.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is also possible for Strychnos myrtoides. This method involves taking a stem cutting from the desired cultivar and grafting it onto a seedling rootstock of a related species. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm and humid place, and once the graft has taken, the plant can be transplanted to individual containers.
Disease and Pest Management for Strychnos Myrtoides Gilg & Busse
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse, commonly known as the Monkey orange, is a plant species with potential for use in traditional medicine, food and beverage industries due to its high content of antioxidants. However, like all plants, it is vulnerable to various pests and diseases which can cause severe damage if not managed.
Common Diseases
Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse is susceptible to fungal diseases such as root and stem rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause wilting, yellowing, or spotting of leaves, and eventual death of the plant if not managed properly.
Management of Fungal Diseases
- Plant resistant varieties of Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse
- Avoid overhead watering and instead water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal spores from spreading
- Apply fungicides to prevent or control diseases. This should be done at the onset of the disease or before symptoms show.
- Remove and destroy any infected plant parts to prevent the disease from spreading to healthy plants.
Common Pests
The most common pests that attack Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse include fruit flies, mealybugs, and aphids. These pests can cause great damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves and stems.
Management of Pests
- Use appropriate insecticides such as neem oil to control pests
- Regularly prune and remove any dead or infected plant material to reduce the chances of pest infestation
- Use physical barriers like nets and traps to prevent pests from reaching the plant
- Encourage the presence of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that can prey on pest insects
Overall, preventing and managing diseases and pests in Strychnos myrtoides Gilg & Busse is important to ensure healthy growth and optimal yields. Farmers and plant enthusiasts should invest in effective management practices to minimize plant damage and increase plant productivity.
